The process of calculating child support is provided by Georgia law. OCGA § 19-6-15 provides that the following factors are to be considered in calculating the amount of child support to be paid or received.
Gross monthly income
Adjusted Income (self-employment taxes, preexisting orders, theoretical child support for qualified children)
Deviations (high income, low income, other health-related insurance, life insurance, child and dependent care tax credit, travel expenses, alimony, mortgage, permanency plan or foster care plan, extraordinary expenses, parenting time, and nonspecific deviations)
Benefits received by the child under Title II of the federal Social Security Act
Uninsured healthcare expenses
The statute provides detailed definitions of these terms and a child support obligation table to help determine the basic child support obligation considering the above factors for each parent. Although it may appear simple on its face, determining whether and where various sources of income (e.g. dividends, lottery winnings, bonus pay, overtime pay, alimony, stock, fringe benefits, etc.) should be included is a complicated process.
A good family law attorney can help you determine what sources of income and expenses to include when calculating the amount of child support you can expect to pay or receive.
Many of the above factors are variable and subject to negotiation, and having a divorce lawyer can really help protect your interests. Call attorney Kevin Parker if you are looking for a divorce attorney in Griffin, Georgia. We respond to calls 24/7!
Call us now or schedule a free consultation online at:
www.thekpfirm.com